Growth hormone replacement therapy in childhood-onset craniopharyngioma

Abstract

Tumour- or treatment related growth hormone (GH) deficiency is often observed in children diagnosed or treated for childhood onset craniopharyngioma (cCP). Adequate and timely GH replacement therapy (GHRT) is important to improve growth velocity and final height during childhood. GHRT may be continued through adulthood due to its beneficial effects on metabolic health, bone health, mental health and quality of life. The current evidence suggests no increased risk for tumour progression or recurrence, secondary neoplasms or mortality in cCP patients receiving GHRT. In children with newly diagnosed cCP, GHRT may be initiated as early as three months after initial surgery to ameliorate linear growth and metabolic disturbances. The potential long-term effects of early initiation of GHRT as well GHRT with long-acting GH preparations are topics for future research.

Keywords: craniopharyngioma; growth hormone; hypothalamic diseases; obesity management; recombinant growth hormone.